Former FCC Head Sees LightSquared Getting Spectrum Approval by 2015

Former FCC Commissioner Robert McDowell testified that LightSquared will likely earn FCC approval to deploy a terrestrial network on 30 MHz of its spectrum by the end of 2015.

McDowell said an additional 10 MHz will likely be approved for use within the next seven years, a conclusion he based on public information, discussions with LightSquared and prior experience, according to a Bloomberg report.

Christopher Rogers, an airwave issues committee member, testifying on behalf of LightSquared, also predicted a 2015 FCC approval and suggested that the would-be wireless provider may attempt to acquire more spectrum.

LightSquared in 2012 filed for bankruptcy protection after the FCC squashed its plans to deploy wireless broadband due to potential interference with GPS. LightSquared’s L Band spectrum holdings have since become a target for Dish Chairman Charlie Ergen.

LightSquared is pursuing a restructuring plan, considering options from owner Philip Falcone’s Harbinger Capital and a lender group that includes Ergen. LightSquared has accused Ergen of buying a big chunk of company’s debt without revealing who was behind the purchase, stating it would not have allowed someone representing a competitor like Dish to do so.